“Emotional day” as NZ lifts cruise ban

MORE than two years of pent-up frustration was washed away yesterday as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the current ban on foreign cruise ships in NZ waters would lift at 11.59pm on 31 Jul (CW breaking news).

Debbie Summers, Chairman of the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), told CW “it’s an emotional day here”, with the reopening of maritime borders coming after several false starts.

NZCA issued a formal statement, with Summers saying the news that cruise ships will be permitted to return to Aotearoa’s waters without restrictions “has been greeted with a sense of cautious optimism and relief”.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement that the maritime border will reopen without added restrictions means cruise lines can start confirming port calls and preparing ships with certainty.

“New Zealand is an important destination for cruise lines, and with worldwide demand for cruising strong again, combined with excellent regional dispersal, this sector ticks every box for value,” Summers said.

“After two years of hardship, hundreds of Kiwi ship suppliers and tourism operators can start rebuilding their businesses back, helping communities that have suffered during our pandemic years and begin preparing with confidence to provide our top service to cruise visitors.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia MD Joel Katz also hailed the reopening, saying it was a “huge breakthrough for the many New Zealanders who depend on cruise tourism, including travel agents, tour operators, food and produce providers, port workers and many other industry suppliers”.

“The suspension of international cruising over the past two years has had a huge impact on the New Zealand travel industry and we now have an opportunity to work on a revival,” he added.

One of the first cruise lines to respond to the reopening was Celebrity Cruises, with regional MD Tim Jones saying the news will see Celebrity Eclipse set sail in local waters, including several trans-Tasman itineraries, effective from 22 Oct.

He said the NZ Government’s announcement represented a return to normality for the cruise industry, travel and tourism.

“We always knew that someday we would showcase the wonders of this region from our luxury ships once more,” Jones said.

“We’re thrilled that ‘someday’ has arrived, and soon, so will Celebrity Eclipse,” he added.